Summer is almost here and so is that glorious stretch of sunshine we’ve all been waiting for! Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and the garden is officially back in business. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the patio, planning barbecues with friends or just enjoying the longer evenings, now is the perfect time to give your outdoor space a seasonal refresh. At House Designer, we believe a good garden design starts with a great colour story. The outdoor colour trends for summer 2025 are full of personality think earthy neutrals, joyful accents and tones that feel straight out of a summer dream. Even better? They’re easy to bring to life with clever planting, luxury furniture and a few thoughtful updates.
Let’s dive into the shades making waves this season and how to use them beautifully in your own garden.
Earthy Tones with Terracotta, Olive and Warm Clay
image credit: House Designer
Earthy, sun-baked tones are the grounding force behind many of this summer’s most stylish gardens. We’re seeing lots of olive greens, terracotta reds and soft clay hues that feel warm, natural and timeless.
How to use them:
image credit: Pinterest
Start with a palette inspired by Mediterranean gardens. Use olive green paint on a garden wall or shed (try Little Greene’s “Olive Colour”) and layer in terracotta pots filled with lavender, rosemary or salvias. A bistro table in rust or clay tones will tie everything together, while woven rattan chairs or a jute outdoor rug keep things relaxed and textural.
Plant pairings:
image credit: Kathy
- Lavender for soft purple contrast
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ for warm pinkish tones
- Euphorbia or grasses for structure and movement
This look is all about natural garden colour palettes that blend beautifully with soft planting and sun-loving materials like stone and terracotta.
Coastal Blues for a Breezy Feel
image credit: James Doyle Design Associates
Cool blues are having a moment especially coastal-inspired tones like sky blue, faded denim and powder blue. These colours bring a relaxed, breezy vibe that’s perfect for patios, balconies and garden rooms.
Pair pale blue with whitewashed wood or soft greys for a fresh and open look. It’s a great choice for small outdoor spaces where you want to keep things light and airy.
Why we love it: Blue is naturally soothing, and in garden settings, it mirrors the sky making your space feel brighter and more expansive.
Pops of Coral and Peach
image credit: PanAm Seed
To balance the neutrals, this summer we’re seeing a cheerful shift towards coral and soft peach accents. These tones bring warmth and personality without feeling overpowering, especially when used in outdoor cushions, garden umbrellas or decorative pots.
Try this: Coral planters paired with green ferns or peach-toned soft furnishings on a dark garden bench. It’s fresh, uplifting, and subtly playful.
Coral and peach are also perfect for colourful garden design ideas that don’t rely on bold primaries. They blend beautifully with greenery and natural materials.
Charcoal and Soft Black Accents
image credit: House Designer
Modern garden design is embracing moody tones like charcoal, graphite, and soft black. These work brilliantly for raised beds, pergolas, and architectural garden features. They ground the space and make other colours especially greenery or bright florals, stand out.
Charcoal is a smart alternative to classic grey, giving your garden a more contemporary edge while still keeping it neutral.
Looking to refresh your layout? Modern garden colour schemes often use soft black furniture or dark-stained decking as a stylish foundation.
Lush Greens and Layered Planting
image credit: Brenda Hannel
It’s no surprise that green remains a staple but in 2025, it’s all about layering tones. Olive, eucalyptus, moss and emerald work together to create depth and richness in your garden planting and decor.
Painted features, like sheds or garden screens, in mid-toned greens offer an easy way to echo the surrounding foliage. Add a variety of leafy plants for a full, immersive look.
Garden tip: For a lush outdoor look, go beyond one shade of green, mix different leaf shapes and textures for visual interest.
Soft Pastels for a Dreamy Garden Aesthetic
image credit: House Designer
Pastel colours are perfect if you’re after a soft, romantic look. Lavender, blush pink, pale yellow and mint green are especially popular for 2025. These shades add charm to everything from painted garden furniture to potted arrangements.
Pastels pair beautifully with vintage-style decor and are ideal for creating a cottage garden effect, even in urban settings.
White wrought-iron chairs, floral cushions, trailing plants and a pastel-painted bench under a pergola, pure garden escapism.
Which Colour Trend Suits Your Outdoor Space?
image credit: House Designer
Choosing the right colour palette depends on your space and how you use it. Do you want a restful retreat, a social spot for entertaining, or a playful garden full of character? Let your garden’s style, size and lighting guide your decisions.
At House Designer, we always start with your vision. Whether it’s a bespoke planting plan, a garden design moodboard, or support with layout and zoning, our team is here to help bring your outdoor space to life.
Let Your Garden Tell a Story This Summer
Colour has the power to define your garden. Whether you’re drawn to soft greens, breezy blues, cheerful peach, or dramatic charcoal, summer 2025 is the season to refresh and personalise your outdoor space.
Need help planning your perfect palette? Our garden design services offer everything from tailored colour schemes for outdoor spaces to full planting and layout plans. Get in touch with Team HD and let’s make your garden the highlight of your summer.